Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer will effect one in six men in the United States. It is important to know the common symptoms of this disease and the importance of annual screening.

Background

• In order to better understand and remember the common symptoms of prostate cancer, it helps to know a little bit about the anatomy and function of the prostate gland.

  The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that is situation beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, or passageway for both urine and semen, runs through the prostate gland. The prostate gland is also dough nut-shaped in that the urethra goes through the prostate to connect the bladder to its outlet, the urinary meatus, or opening of the penis.

  The prostate gland produces approximately 30 percent of the seminal fluid volume and is believed to close its sphincter muscle to prevent urine from the bladder from entering the ejaculatory fluids.

Symptoms

• Like many cancers, prostate cancer has few or no symptoms in its early stages --- while still confined to the prostate gland. The common symptoms of prostate cancer can also be attributed to non-cancerous conditions; only a health care provider can determine the underlying condition.

  According to the National Cancer Institute, most of the common symptoms of prostate cancer involve the urinary system and include: "not being able to urinate; having a hard time stopping or starting the flow of urine; needing to urinate often, especially at night; weak flow of urine; urine flow that starts and stops; pain or burning upon urination."

  The National Cancer Institute also states that other common symptoms are difficulty in achieving an erection, blood that is present in your urine or semen and "frequent pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs."

Conditions

• Other conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and an infection or inflammation of the prostate can also be the cause of the same symptoms as those of prostate cancer.

Risk Factors

• Age is the greatest risk factor. According to the Cleveland Clinic, "more than 75 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65 years."

  Family history is also important. Those men with a history of prostate cancer in their family are considered to be at high risk. Having a close relative, such as a father or brother, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer doubles your risk of having the disease. In the United States, black men have twice the risk of all other races of having prostate cancer.

  There is some research that suggests a diet high in fat contributes to your risk of developing prostate cancer. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prevention

• Although it is no guarantee against developing prostate cancer, or any other cancer, controlling the risk factors that are in your power, such as eating a diet with a moderate fat content, getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, seem to be in the interest of good health all around.

Screenings

• It's important to note that if you have any of the above risk factors and/or symptoms, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician. The sooner you can get the proper testing, the more likely it is that you can receive treatment that may save your life. Moreover, once you are of age, get screened on an annual basis.